Birding Along Alabama's Gulf Coast

The Alabama Gulf Coast plays host to many different kinds of birds, with habitats running from coastal to marshland to bay areas. This region on the Gulf of Mexico is also an important stop-over habitat for a number of migratory birds who make the area their transient home.

In summer months, the savvy bird watcher may spy the rare groove-billed ani in the canal near Lake Shelby. And in between sand dunes, you can catch a glimpse of the snowy plover, a shorebird whose California cousin is on the endangered species list. Snowy plovers' numbers are diminishing because of beach habitat disruption, caused mostly by humans and some animals. So be sure to tread carefully.

You'll find rare birds as they stop over during migration in places like Little Lagoon Pass in Gulf Shores. And Wade Ward Nature Park in the middle of Gulf Shores is home to a number of bitterns and rails. Lake Shelby, just east of Gulf Shores in Gulf State Park, is the ideal spot to look out for waterfowl.

There's something almost zen-like in watching the skies as a Great Blue Heron soars into view over the snow-white beaches of the coast to hunt for his dinner. Great Blue Herons are year-round residents to the region, where you'll find them along the shoreline, or nesting in trees or bushes near the water. You'll see a line of pelicans flying in over the Gulf, where they chase schools of fish into shallow waters for their dinner. They will plunge-dive right into the water to catch fish, then come up and toss it into the air to be caught in their bills for eating. And often, a fellow pelican will pirate the catch in mid-air!

More than 370 species of birds have been identified during migratory season at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, on the Birding Trail just west of Gulf Shores toward Fort Morgan. Bon Secour protects 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat and is on the critical migratory path leading south to lower Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Year-round, you can spot a number of egrets and herons, as well as red-tailed hawks, great horned owls, belted kingfishers and ospreys. Summer brings brown pelicans and double-crested cormorants, and occasionally anhinga and white ibis. Very rarely, you might catch a glimpse of a magnificent frigate bird or bald eagles.

The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail leads you through two counties, in loops designed to showcase the best areas to view birds in their habitats. The loops are close enough together that you can drive easily from one to another, using the trail signage as your guide. You'll find interpretive signs throughout the loops to help you on your quest. The area's Welcome Centers can provide you with maps and information on the Birding Trail.

Alabama's Gulf Coast is definitely a bird-watcher's paradise! But it's also so much more. You'll find plenty of opportunities for refreshment, distraction, and relaxation in beautiful Gulf Shores / Orange Beach.

For more ideas on where to stay, play, and dine, make sure to check out http://www.thebeachiscalling.org/
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Embarking on a Bird Watching Vacation

Bird watching has been one of my favorite experiences, and is a relaxing way to spend a vacation. Why? In my view, birds are simply unique. There are diverse types of birds and their behaviors differ greatly from each other. A parrot will fervently imitate the words that we utter to it, a flamingo will showcase its wings of myriad colors, a peacock will strut elegantly in the aviary, a penguin will wander charmingly in their group, a hawk will stealthily stalk its prey and many more. It is very entertaining to embark on bird watching vacation, as birds interact uniquely to their environment keeping us captivated with their actions.

Fortunately, birds are not rare in nature; they can be found nearly everywhere. Exotic birds are frequently kept in aviaries in zoos so one does not need to worry about the peril of being assaulted by birds. Almost every zoo has specific bird cages or aviaries, so one will easily get the opportunity to watch the birds in action. Wild birds can also be seen in their own habitats, so bird watching vacation is a really enjoyable trip as one can travel to any locale or climate.

Furthermore, in bird watching vacations, one can also interact with birds and consider them as close friends. We can feed them, take pictures with them, and we can also interact with them. In terms of money, bird watching vacation is one of the inexpensive forms of vacation available and yet, one of the most relaxing. It gives you the satisfaction of getting close to nature as well as a journey to watch a cultural performance. You'll never be bored watching these wild or exotic birds, because their actions keep us engaged and addicted with their unique behavior.

Katie Appleby is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about bird watching vacations, please visit New Recreation Site for current articles and discussions.
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Hiking Alone - 7 Tips To Staying Alive

Almost everyone will say to never hike alone but the reality is we have all done it at one time or another and we will continue to do so. Sometimes you can't find anyone to go with and sometimes you just want to be alone. Here are some tips to enjoy yourself and ensure that you come back in one piece.

1. Tell someone where you are going!

Tell someone exactly where you are going and when you are to be expected back. Leave them a map with your route on it if they are not familiar with the area. Also tell them when to call the authorities if you do not return. If you do not know anyone at all, stop at a ranger station and tell them you will check back with them on the way out, kind of like a flight plan for airplanes. If you are leaving your car somewhere while you hike alone give them your license number, make and model and so forth. I like to leave a map of where I am going in my car also in case the worst happens and someone is searching my car for clues. These days if you are into GPS systems you can leave exact co-ordinates for your location also. This is probably the best insurance you have when you are hiking alone and the most often overlooked. You may go all of your life without having to use any of this information but the one time you need to you will be glad you told someone.

2. Stay with the Plan

If you leave a plan with a friend or authority and then you decide to go somewhere else, all of your efforts to prevent disaster have come to nothing. Do not vary your route no matter how tempting it may be. If you decide to change anything or come out early, let those waiting for you know so they are not wasting time looking for you. This sounds so simple but you would be surprised how many people decided to change the route at the last minute and regretted it later. Don't do it. Hiking alone is risky enough without adding more danger of not being found.

3. Take Water

You cannot survive very long without water. If you are going for a day or a few, take more than you think you need and take water purification iodine or filters because you can survive quite a while with water but not very long without. Enough said.

4 Take Food

Well you say I am only going for the afternoon but what if you fall and break an ankle and now it is night and you have your water but you are hungry! If you go very long you will be very glad you brought at least a few energy bars or some gorp or gu, something. I eat a lot so I take more than most but take more than you think you need. Hiking alone is miserable if you are stuck, lost and hungry!

5. Take Sleeping gear

Now I don't say take a sleeping bag necessarily, but take a space blanket which takes no room or ads no weight and take an ensulite pad. If you ever have to spend the night directly on the ground you will be glad you took a pad. I like to use it to take breaks on and rest my bum on instead of that sharp rock you are sitting on. It really does not weigh very much and will keep your body temperature up if you have to sleep outside. Ditto for the space blanket. They both go together and will keep you relatively warm and toasty without freezing to death.
Also take more clothes than you will think you need because if you are stuck outside or even it turns cold you will be prepared, I think these three items go together, bag, pad and clothes.

6. Take a Flashlight

A flashlight these days is so light weight what with L.E.D.'s and space age materials there is no excuse for not carrying one. Gone are the days of 3 cell Mag-lites weight many pounds. You can get a really bright and long lasting light for not much money and not much weight either.

7. Take First aid.

Take at least a minimal first aid kit when you are hiking alone and if you need aspirin or anti-septic or a bandage you will be glad you did.

If you follow these simple steps you will find hiking alone to be pleasurable and safe.
Backpacking Camping.com is where you will find invaluable information to make your outside nights safe and enjoyable under the stars.

http://www.backpackingcamping.com/
Hiking alone can be a safe if you follow these 7 steps to staying alive
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Climbing the Seven Summits of the World From Everest to Carstensz Pyramind - Heights, Costs & More!

The Seven Summits of the World are known as highest peaks found on each continent on Earth. The concept was first suggested by Richard Bass in the 1980's and it has been every mountaineer's goal to climb each one during their lifetime. Bass was the first to climb all the summits and once held the record for having been the oldest person to climb Everest.

The Seven Summits of the World

As for the seven summits, no doubt, you may have heard of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Everest in Nepal. Read about the rest - how tall they are, which are the most challenging and why, how much it will cost you to make the climb to the highest peaks in the world. . .

1) Mount Everest / Qomolangma

Mountain Range: Himalayan Mountains

Location: Nepal, China, Asia

Height: 8,850 meters or 29,028 feet

Cost: $30,000+

Located on the border between Nepal and Tibet, Everest is the world's highest mountain and most notorious.

It is also one of Nepal's most significant sources of tourist revenue. Almost 2,500 reached Everest's summit by the end of 2007, each bringing in around $25,000 each. Sherpas are an ethnic Nepalese group who reside in the mountains and are employed as guides and porters for climbers. Two of the most famous climbers in the world are Edmund Hillary (a New Zealander) and Tenzing Norgay (a Sherpa), the first men to reach the summit of Everest in 1953

2) Aconcagua

Mountain Range: Andes Mountains

Location: Argentina, South America

Height: 6,962 meters or 22,320 feet

Cost: $4,500+

The highest mountain in the world outside Asia, Aconcagua is located in the Mendoza province of Argentina, famous for its Malbec wine. Aconcagua is said to be an easier mountain to climb, technically speaking. Altitude sickness is one of the biggest barriers and no oxygen masks are required. The youngest person to have ever climbed Aconcagua was Jodan Romero of Big Bear Lake, California at 11 years old in December 2007.

3) Denali / Mount McKinley

Mountain Range: Alaska Range

Location: Alaska, USA, North America

Height: 6,194 meters or 20,320 feet

Cost: $5,000+

Denali is the Native American word for "The High One." It was once named Mount McKinley after U.S. President William McKinley but named back in 1980. Mount Denali is known for its cold climates, containing 5 large glaciers. One thermometer that was left on the mountain for over 19 years recorded that it had once reached -73.3C (-100F). Severe altitude sickness is also prevalent on Denali because its latitude is much higher. A mountain like Denali at the equater would have approximately 47% more oxygen on its summit, compared to sea level.

4) Mount Kilimanjaro

Location: Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Africa

Height: 5,895 meters or 19,640 feet

Cost: $4,000+

Kilimanjaro is made up of three cones of an inactive volcano and is the highest peak in Africa. Kibo is the highest cone where Uhuru Peak stands over Tanzania. It usually takes 4-5 days to climb Kilimanjaro and huts are located at each day's stop. This is thought to be one of the "easier" mountains to climb and is possible for those who have limited mountaineering experience. Avoiding altitude sickness by acclimatization is one of the hardest parts.

5) Mount Elbrus

Mountain Range: Western Caucasus Mountains

Location: Kabardino-Balkaria & Karachay-Cherkessia, Russia, Europe

Height: 5,642 meters or 18.510 feet

Cost: $4,000+

The Elbrus mountain is also known as Strobilus, where Zeus chained Prometheus and Titan stole fire from the gods to give to men. Each summer, approximately 100 climbers attempt the climb each day. Every year, about 15-30 die from their attempts to summit the mountain.

6) Vinson Massif

Mountain Range: Sentinel Range, Ellsworth Mountains

Location: Antarctica

Height: 4,892 meters or 16,067 feet

Cost: $31,000+

Vinson is known as one of the most inaccessible ranges in the world, and is only 800 miles from the South Pole. The mountain was unknown and unsuspected until 1957. It wasn't until 1966 and 1967 that the first ascent was made to its peak. The most difficult part about the Vinson Massif is its inaccessibility, but there are now a few operators who offer tours to this no man's land.

7) Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid)

Mountain Range: Sudirman Range

Location: Irian Jaya, Indonesia, Oceania

Height: 4,884 meters

Cost: $18,000

Puncak Jaya is known as the most technically difficult summit to climb. To climb to the peak of Puncak Jaya, a government permit is required but can be acquired through adventure tourism operators. Once covered with glaciers, it was reported that in the 1970's, Puncak Jaya's glaciers had begun to melt and today, it stands as a significantly less mountain than it once was.
Gizelle Lau, TripAtlas.com

More record-breakers: Like it Hot? The 5 Hottest Places in the WorldClimbing Aconcagua? Then Discover Passion, Tango and Wine in ArgentinaLess extreme? What about Sandboarding in Huacachina, Peru
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Giz_Lau

Rock Climbing Training

Rock climbing training aims to provide the balance between physical fitness and mental preparation. Keep in mind three important muscle functions you can focus on during your training: endurance, strength, and burst. Finding the balance with these muscle functions provide flexibility and the ability of a climber, depending on the nature of the climbing activity. Before performing any specific rock climbing training, know and analyze your body condition. Refer to a full medical checkup and know where you can improve on, minimizing possible consequences when adopting a certain training routine. Understand and know about the methods by which you can focus and train on particular muscle functions demanded in your climbing activity. Here are some training tips to achieve the balance in strength, endurance, and burst in rock climbing:

Rock Climbing Training: Strength

Focusing on your strength increases the ability to conquer overhanging, negative sloping, and long-reach moves in climbing. In this type of training, you focus on maximizing the muscles capability to resists in a repetitive fashion to increase muscle strength. Muscles synthesize more contractile protein, consequently increasing strength. You can achieve this training by doing climbing-wise routines, or in the gym using weights. Note that repetition is the key to achieve muscle strength, and make sure that you use weights appropriate for the activity and the level of your body condition.

Rock Climbing Training: Endurance

The body is not a machine which can endure strenuous activity. The aim of endurance training is to increase or improve your body's ability to tolerate strenuous activities. It is important to know how muscles work in any routine. In endurance training, keep in mind that continuous low resistance exercises enables the muscles to prepare for more demanding activity. You can progress in this activity by intensifying the kind of exercise or prolonging the time you do it.

Rock Climbing Training- Aerobic Capacity

As mentioned, rock climbing requires both physical fitness and mental preparation. Both should need to improve to be able to conquer challenges in any climbing activity. Aerobic capacity ensures that the balance between strength and endurance. This can be achieved with a circuit and interval training.

Keep in mind that any rock climbing training exercise requires adequate warm-up and stretching to prepare the body. Also remember to do a cooling down routine after each specific exercise.
Roz Curtis has been practicing rock climbing for five years and writes articles for ABC-of-RockClimbing. Feel free to become a part of their community.
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Rock Climbing Techniques

Whether it is done outdoors or indoors, rock climbing involves great skills and techniques. They help in finishing the route. Before taking on a rock climbing activity, consider it as an extreme sport which should only be taken if you understand how it can be properly done.

Rope Systems

There are three main rope systems for rock climbing techniques: single, double, and the twin rope system. The single rope system is commonly used and suits well with straight climbing routes. Double rope systems are more flexible than the single rope system. The twin rope system on the other hand is used for more complex type of climbing activity, and involves using two twin ropes in a single rope system.

Tying In

It entails attaching your rope to the climbing harness. During climbing or belaying, tying in will create a belay loop which will contain your belaying devices and gears.

Belaying

Belaying activities is used as rock climbing techniques to ensure that the rope used is controlled by the belayer so that a falling climber does not fall very far. It involves the responsibility of the belayer to control the rope and apply the friction to allow speed. A belayer can be anchored (placed on a ledge), or hung (suspended from anchors in the rock). Self-belaying is also possible but requires more advanced climbing skills and techniques.

Leading

In other types of rock climbing techniques, a climb will need a leader and a follower. Leading entails putting protection for the climber following you. During ascending, the leader will place protection as he climbs, then the second climber will remove the protection.

Abseiling

Abseiling or rappelling uses a fixed rope during a descent. This technique is not limited to descending after a climb, but can be made useful especially when a new climbing route has a difficult starting point. It is important to execute proper abseiling because many factors, including weakened ropes and equipments failure, can seriously be harmful to climbers.

Lowering

Lowering is a common method of descending in rock climbing. It entails responsibility from the belayer to ensure that other climbers are lowered safely. Lowering is used when descending on short, steep walls, and for a faster descent.

Rock climbing is best enjoyed with proper knowledge of rock climbing techniques used during the activity. Get to know the fundamental aspects of rock climbing to determine what kind you can handle, and eventually challenge yourself with. It entails many life hazards. Learn from other people's mistakes and always be cautious of your safety.

Roz Curtis has been practicing rock climbing for five years and writes articles for ABC-of-RockClimbing. Feel free to become a part of their community.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roz_Curtis

Rock Climbing Knots

In a complex sport such as rock climbing, knots are central features in any climbing activity. Knots are able to join everything, from the rope you tie your equipment with to your waist, to any climbing technique you perform, and rescue systems. There are various rock climbing knots, but you don't have to burden yourself with learning all the possible ways you can tie a knot. If you can master some knots and their variations, you are well-prepared to take an adventurous rock climbing experience. These are easy-to-follow steps designed to take you through each type of knot without any hassle.

There are five general types of rock climbing knots: single loop knots, double loop knots, hitches, stopper, and bends. Each type is used in specific situations. Know more about them and how you can use them in your rock climbing activity.

Single loop knots

These rock climbing knots are useful when you need to throw a rope into something out of reach, or when you need to attach to a loop of rope during rock climbing. One of its main purpose is to wrap a person's waist or around an object before tying the knot. The alpine butterfly knot, bowline, and the figure eight loop all belong to this type.

Double loop knots

This type of knot involves two loops, which adds more hold and security than a single loop knot. In rock climbing, you can use a double loop knot when lifting or lowering another person, or when hanging. Double alpine butterfly and double figure eight are rock climbing knots belonging to this section.

Hitches

The use of hitches allows climbers to tie a knot which can conform to the size of the object it is tied to. There are different styles or rock climbing knots which are used for different purposes, such as: prusik knot, clove hitch, and the Italian hitch.

Stopper knots

As the name implies, these rock climbing knots are used to prevent the other end of the rope from unravelling or slipping through another knot. Some common types are the overhand knot, double overhand knot, and the figure eight knot.

Bends

These rock climbing knots are formed when two ends of rope are tied together from the same rope, or by joining two different ropes with a single knot. The water knot, fisherman's knot, and the double fisherman's knot belong to this class.

Remember that these are just the basics of rock climbing knots Practice first before embarking on a rock climbing adventure. You may also want to consider advanced and other variations of the different knots mentioned once you progress with more difficult climbs and techniques.

Roz Curtis has been practicing rock climbing for five years and writes articles for ABC-of-RockClimbing. Feel free to become a part of their community.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roz_Curtis

Rock Climbing Gear

Rock climbing is an extreme sport which uses different gear to ensure a safe and efficient climb. It is important to know what type of climbing activity to pursue to be able to buy necessary equipment to use.

Climbing RopesThey are essential safety equipment used in rock climbing and are made from braided nylon fibers. It is important to check the quality and construction of this rock climbing gear to see its strength can hold a person's weight. Two type of climbing ropes are used: the dynamic and static rope. Dynamic ones are able to stretch under tension, especially during a fall. Static ropes do not have that flexibility, but are used in cases where a rope needs to be firm under tension, such as during rappelling.

Climbing HarnessesThey provide security and support for climbers. A typical harness used in climbing has a sewn nylon belt placed on the waist, and a pair of leg loops for the thighs. The support of the harness is directed towards the climber's legs, making it comfortable for climbers during hang-ins.

Climbing carabinersThese rock climbing gear are constantly used. Carabiners are rings made of solid aluminium with a spring loaded gate to allow opening, and have different variations and designs. Most carabiners are inexpensive, strong, and versatile. It is important to be reminded that a climbing carabiner is safe until its gate is opened.

Active Protection: Spring-Loaded Camming DevicesA spring loaded camming device (SLCD) consists of a stem with an axle at one end holding four spiral-shaped spring-loaded cams. Climbers use this rock climbing gear to have a mechanism to retract the cams and place it in an area pointing down. It is then released which allows the mechanism to spring back against the rock making it more secure.

Passive Protection: Slings, Hexes, Nuts, TricamsPassive protection uses different rock climbing gear which can be placed securely with no moving parts. Slings, hexes, nuts, and tricams have different specific uses. Generally they are lightweight, and are wedged into cracks of rock with difficulty in removing from one section, but easy to remove in another.

Climbing HelmetsHelmets are essential for protection in any type of climbing activity. These rock climbing gear are made from different kinds of materials such as plastic or fiberglass, and have an inner shell made of foam or a harness system. They should not be tight, but comfortable and have an adjustable chin strap. It should provide proper ventilation, and consider placing importance in choosing the right weight for your needs.

Roz Curtis has been practicing rock climbing for five years and writes articles for ABC-of-RockClimbing. Feel free to become a part of their community.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roz_Curtis

10 Essentials For Starter Rock Climbers

This is a simple climbing setup that is appropriate for new climbers looking to do top rope (as opposed to lead) climbing.

* 1 Belay Device ($15-25) (Used to control climbers falls)

* 1 Chalk ($1-4) (Keeps hands dry)

* 1 Chalk Bag ($12-20) (Holds chalk and makes chalk easily available)

* 1 Harness ($40-80) (Attaches rope to the torso. Lots of different models are available
depending on how much comfort vs weight you want. Most harnesses are called sport harnesses)

* 1 Locking Pear-Shaped Carabiner ($12-18) (This allows you to attach the belay device to the harness (as well as the rope). Pear shaped biners are larger than most allowing you to easily adjust the equipment)

* 1 Pair of Rock Climbing Shoes ($70-130) (Most climbers prefer tight climbing shoes to increase friction. I'd recommend not having it too tight, so it doesn't hurt, but no extra space)

* 1 Helmet ($55-80) (Using a specific climbing helmet is critical. These protect against vertical drops due to rock fall. Make sure you select a helmet with sufficient insulation for your weather)

* 2 Locking Carabiners ($6-10 each)

* 2 Slings ($3-5 each)

* 1 Climbing Rope ($110-200)

Climbers to lead on sport climbs will require quickdraws which are two carabiners connected with a runner. Trad Climbers will require a trad rack which includes cams, ball nutz, tricams, stoppers and hexes. This is used to create anchors so you can safely climb. Trad gear tends to cost much more than a sport rack. Sport Racks range from $200 - 500. Trad gear ranges from $600-2000.

For lots of extra on climbing gear visit: www.spadout.com/c/climbing/
Mark
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White Water Rafting

White Water Rafting usually refers to rafting that happens at the foot- hills of a mountain range when a river falls southwards through steep gorges and bursts into silvery rapids that serve as the perfect backdrop for some exciting water adventure. In my opinion, the best time for river rafting in Northern India is from September to November or from March to April and there is enough water in the upper reaches of the river to enjoy rafting.

White water rafting is a popular sport and with the entry of organized players; tourists have gained immensely as they no longer need to scout for food, equipments, life jackets, helmets, accommodation and the help of an expert guide at nominal costs. Stiff competition in this sector has kept the costs down and averted the possibility of monopoly by any company in this sector.

Young children below the age of 14 are forbidden from such tours and some tours, which are conducted on dangerous stretches of a river, require tourists to know swimming before they are admitted for such tours. Pregnant women and those who suffer from serious ailments like high blood pressure, epilepsy are not allowed for white water rafting tours as this sport can be very risky for their lives.

The pleasure associated with this sport far outweighs the risks associated with it and those who have enjoyed white water rafting admit that the entertainment and enjoyment far exceeds the expenditure incurred. The adrenalin rush, which one gets by maneuvering your boat through gushing rapids, is simply exhilarating. The thrill of meandering through overflowing rapids that hit your face with unceasing regularity is an experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life.

White water rafting also serves as an efficient stress buster and a welcome break from the monotony of every day life. Such an invigorating experience helps tourists to de-stress and return to their homes with renewed vigor and strength. While embarking on any white water rafting trip tourists should carry with themselves sunglasses, sunscreen lotions, shorts, T-shirts, sneakers etc. Rest of the equipment like life jackets is usually provided by the tour operator, as it is mandatory by law.

It would be a great idea if you can obtain some accommodation in one of the riverside camps. Unlike city hotels these camps may be short on amenities but they provide a once -in-a-lifetime experience of life in a jungle. City bred tourists rarely get such an experience and if you are one of those lucky ones to get such an opportunity then you should grab it with both hands.

For more informations about white water rafting, river rafting, and Kayaking in India visit this site and You will get all the informations.
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